Transit's Future on the Federal Front

State of Transit in the St. Louis Region

The MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is scheduled to open in summer 2026 as ongoing efforts on both sides of the river work to deliver reliable access to opportunity. The circumstances surrounding transit funding are changing. Illinois is headed in the right direction, while Gov. Kehoe just proposed further cuts, and if approved, transit funding in Missouri will have been slashed by 85% since he began his term. Regional transit officials shared these and other updates with over a hundred Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) members, elected officials, stakeholders and transit riders during the “Talking Transit: Trajectory of Transit in 2026” event hosted by the region’s transit advocacy agency via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m.

CMT & MPTA Present: State of Transit in Missouri

On November 20, 2025, the Missouri Public Transit Association and Citizens for Modern Transit hosted the 2025 edition of the State of Transit in Missouri. Attendees heard from leaders of the state’s largest, mid-level and rural transit providers. Panelists included Transit Director with City Utilities of Springfield Matt Crawford, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority Tom Gerend, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit Ron Forrest, Chief Mobility and Strategy Officer for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) Tyler Means, and Executive Director of OATS Transit Dorothy Yeager. The forum was moderated by CEO of CMT and Executive Director of the MPTA Kimberly Cella.

Demystifying Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

As the St. Louis region embarks on an alternatives analysis study to determine the feasibility of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in lieu of the St. Louis MetroLink Green Line and potentially puts funding for the project back on the ballot, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Talking Transit” event tied to the topic. The forum on Dec. 9 explored the design, development, funding, implementation and challenges of BRT systems in Minneapolis and Kansas City and how these projects are transforming transit networks, improving access and driving economic growth. Updates on the scope, funding and next steps of the BRT project in the City of St. Louis were also discussed.

Transit's Future on the Federal Front

The Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska Transit Associations hosted Scott Bogren, Executive Director of CTAA, on the future of Transit on the federal front on Oct. 21. Bogren underscored the importance of telling the local stories of transit’s impact from a values and outcomes perspective including from the private sector partners. Key transition issues with new administration discussed included: * Discretionary grants and rescissions. * Master agreements. * Formula vs. competitive. * Bus Capital. * The Fiscal Cliff.

Cost-Conscious Marketing for Transit Providers

The latest Talking Transit podcast features a discussion led by the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA), focused on cost-conscious marketing for small to mid-sized transit providers.  The presentation featured Selena Barlow of Transit Marketing and Elea Carey of Transit Happy, who provided expert insight into the promotional strategies that provide the most value for providers looking to market their services.  Tracy Jones of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS) and Ginny Smith of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority provided their experience marketing transit services in their regions, including challenges and areas of opportunity. Panelists answered questions and provided key insights into transit marketing best practices, including: * Effective cost-conscious marketing reaches the right audience with the right message, providing long-term value * Bold branding of vehicles and bus stops is the most cost-effective way to build visibility * Marketing channels include unpaid, paid, and partnership opportunities